Spring!!!

First day of Spring arrived with brilliant sun for periods of the day along with cooling winds. March can be such a transitional month with unpredictable weather.  Keep your fingers crossed that Winter does not return. There is a myth that bad weather accompanies the Wisconsin state basketball tournament. Well, the tournament is over and without inclement weather.  So Old Man Winter you had your chance. Stay away.

Early this afternoon, I meandered down through the Prospect Gardens on my daily walk with that Fitbit, a Christmas gift, counting the steps. As expected, because of the recent mild weather, plants are poking out of the ground.  Here are a few that have ventured out. 

The indestructible daily lilies are leading the way toward more Spring.  These are commonly referred to as "ditch lilies" and are found in many places along the Southwest Commuter Path.  Their yellow-orange blooms gently sway in the wind.  We removed many from the Garden. These remain because they hold the soil at the top of a steep slope.   

 These strawberry plants already have a good start. The patch has vastly expanded since 2012, when I transplanted about a dozen from our neighbor, Dianne. I am anticipating an early bumper crop.

 Another hardy plant, the common phlox. What more is there to say about this commoner except that its bloom is spectacular.

 Here's one of my favorite early Spring flowers, the majestic columbine. I can't recall the color of the blooms. I could look back in this blog for a picture, but I will move forward. Let's just enjoy the anticipation of rediscovering the color.  

 Another early Spring bloomer, the spider wort. Looks like a columbine (lower left) has decided to move nearby.


Soon it will be time to remove the orange snow fences. These guardians were hardly needed because of the mild winter. Yet just knowing they were there and on guard added to my peace of mind.

I look forward to the unfolding of Spring and witnessing other plants as they make their entrance.  Another season is here!

The first work session of the 2016 season is planned for April 22nd, from 1 to 4 pm.  If in the Madison area, come join us as we celebrate Earth Day and kick off another gardening season. We will not hold a work day on the 16th of April as we usually do... the 3rd Saturday in the month.